A Lifetime of Sand & Gravel: How Much We Really Use

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Every day, the materials we rely on – roads we drive, homes we live in, and buildings we work in – are made possible by aggregates like sand and gravel. These natural resources are the backbone of modern life, yet most people don’t realize just how much they use.

According to data compiled by the Mineral Information Institute, the average American depends on more than 38,000 pounds of minerals and fuels every single year. Multiply that across a lifetime, and each of us will require nearly 3 million pounds of resources to support the products, infrastructure, and energy we rely on.

Sand & Gravel: The Hidden Giants

Among all those materials, construction aggregates such as sand, gravel, and stone make up one of the largest portions of our lifetime use. On average, every American will need:

• Over 5 million pounds of stone, sand, and gravel in their lifetime.
• Enough aggregate to build roads, schools, hospitals, and homes that make up the fabric of our communities.
• Roughly 85,000 tons of aggregates for every mile of interstate highway to keep our transportation system moving.

From the concrete in your foundation to the sidewalk under your toes, sand and gravel are everywhere.

Why It Matters

These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent the resources that make daily life possible. Every time you flip on a light, step into a building, or commute to work, you’re benefiting from aggregates mined and supplied by companies like Chaney Enterprises.

For over 60 years, Chaney has been proud to supply the sand, gravel, and stone that help build stronger communities. We don’t just deliver materials – we deliver the foundation for the future.

Learn more about aggregates from Chaney Enterprises:

• Sand
• Stone
• Gravel